Chelsea and Erik continued their relationship for the rest of the summer. They had a lot of fun, and the bond between them deepened. One day in August, they were sitting at a picnic table at Fisherman's Wharf, eating clam chowder in sour dough bread bowls.

"This has been the most wonderful summer of my life!" said Erik.

"It's been the best summer of my life, too," Chelsea replied.

"I've spent enough time with you and gotten to know you well enough that I know you're the woman I want to spend the rest of my life with." He walked around to her side and got down on one knee. Taking her hand, he gazed into her eyes.

"Will you marry me?"

"Yes." She didn't even have to think about it first.

"I'm so happy!" Erik stood and returned to his seat. "Now we can start making plans."

"When would you like to do it?" asked Chelsea.

"I was thinking around Christmas would be nice," Erik replied. "Perhaps we could have the ceremony in Los Angeles. Winter is so much milder there."

"I think that's a great idea!" Chelsea enthused. "That way, all my family and friends can come. Do you think any of your family can make it, too?"

"Uncle Thorsten and his family will be there for sure, and hopefully, my parents can come, too."

December 2005

It was a mild, balmy day in Los Angeles. The Risoviches and their kin were all gathered together under a pavilion on the beach. On each side were Christmas trees laden with lights, tinsel, and ornaments, and in the middle, Erik and Chelsea stood before a notary friend of Jan's.

In the front row, Ilya and Jan sat together, holding hands.

"I can't believe our baby's getting married!" Jan sniffled. "It seems like only yesterday we were having our own wedding, doesn't it?"

Ilya nodded. "The years have really flown by," he agreed. "I am so glad that my family can be here this time."

"Me too." Jan squeezed his hand, remembering the young man who'd given up everything to make a new start in a new country.

"Do you take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife, forsaking all others, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, till death do you part?" the notary asked Erik.

"I do," Erik said solemnly. On the front row, on the side opposite Jan and Ilya, his mother dabbed at her eyes with a handkerchief.

"Do you take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband, forsaking all others, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, till death do you part?" the notary asked Chelsea.

"I do!" Chelsea's eyes were dancing with joy.

"Then with the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife," said the notary. "You may kiss the bride."

As Erik raised Chelsea's veil and kissed her lips, Jan's mind went back in time to that long-ago evening in Reverend Brown's parlor.

"I thought I loved you then, but it's nothing compared to the way I love you now," she murmured.

Ilya hugged her tight, and she knew he felt the same way.

A reception with a many-tiered cake followed. The guests wandered around, eating and chatting with one another.

"Well, hello!"

Shelby looked up to see Per smiling at her.

"Hello, Per," she said.

"It has been a long time, yes?"

"It has been awhile."

"What have you been up to?" Per wanted to know.

"I've been busy sharing God's love with those who have never had the chance to hear it. Tell me, Per, have you ever asked Jesus into your heart?"

Per frowned. "I do not know what you mean."

"It's how you become a Christian."

"But I am already a Christian," Per replied. "I have been one for my whole life."

"But have you really and truly given your life to Christ?"

"I do not understand."

"Let me explain," said Shelby. "Do you have a few minutes?"

Per smiled. "For you, of course! You are a beautiful woman, and I was hoping we could resume our relationship."

"I would like that, too," said Shelby. "But I can't be in a relationship with a man who isn't a true Christian. Have you ever prayed the sinner's prayer?"

"I have never heard of it, but if you tell me what it is, then I will do it. I want us to be together again, Shelby."

Shelby sighed. "You don't understand, Per."

Erik and Shelby took no notice of them. They were on their way to Mexico for their honeymoon.